Darel

Origin & Etymology

Darel is a variant spelling of Darrell or Darryl, an English surname-turned-given name derived from the Norman French d'Airelle or D'Arelle, referring to people from Airelle, a place in Calvados, Normandy, France. The name came to England with the Norman Conquest of 1066 and gradually became an English surname and eventually a first name. The simplified spelling Darel is a modern streamlining of the traditional Darrell.

Popularity Story

Darrell and Darryl peaked as given names in the US in the 1950s-1970s, associated with mid-century American working-class culture. The name declined after the 1980s TV joke (from Newhart). Darel as a spelling is a simplified modern variant.

Cultural Significance

Daryl Hall (of Hall & Oates) and Darryl Strawberry (baseball) kept the name in public consciousness in the 1980s. In motorsport, Darrell Waltrip is an NASCAR legend. The name has a solid, unpretentious American quality.

Fun Facts

• The surname Darrell/D'Airelle arrived in England with William the Conqueror's Norman army in 1066
• Darrell Waltrip is a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and beloved broadcaster
• The TV show Newhart's running gag about Larry, Darryl, and Darryl became one of TV's most repeated jokes

Darel in Other Languages